Thursday, April 30, 2015

Practicing good oral hygiene will help you avoid dental
problems for a lifetime. Brushing, flossing, and making regular visits to Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., can prevent gum
disease and tooth decay. However, good hygiene practices are not enough if you
don’t eat a mouth-healthy diet. The foods and beverages you consume greatly
impact the health of your teeth and gums. To keep your smile strong, keep these
diet suggestions in mind:

Focus on Fresh Produce

Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S.,
stresses the importance of eating fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are
beneficial for healthy teeth and gums. Many fruits and vegetables are fibrous,
which helps with the natural cleaning of oral contaminants. Vegetables
typically have low sugar content as well, which limits the ability of bacteria
to create plaque. In addition, produce is dense in nutrients, and can provide a
wealth of vitamins and minerals that fortify tooth and gum health.

Include Calcium-Rich Products

The bone that supports your teeth is made largely of
calcium. This substance helps teeth retain a strong and rigid structure, which
is necessary for chewing and eating. Consuming plenty of calcium-rich
products—including dark green leafy vegetables, low fat milk, soy milk, yogurt,
and cheese—can provide ample amounts of calcium to support your oral health.

Restrict Sweet Beverages

Many people know that residual food particles can get stuck
between teeth, hastening the development of plaque and gum disease. As a
result, they might wash down their meals with a large cup of cola, fruit juice,
or sweetened tea in the hopes of dislodging food remnants and lowering the risk
of cavities. Unfortunately, sugary beverages only heighten the danger of tooth
decay. If you normally drink soda, juice, or other sugar-laden drinks, they
could be the reason for your dental issues. Sodas and sugary drinks can
increase tooth decay. To ensure the best oral health, make water your beverage
of choice. This single change to your diet could dramatically reduce tooth
decay and improve your general wellbeing. Start adding fruits and vegetables to your family’s diet to
help your family oral and over all health.

For more information about how food affects your oral health,
or to schedule an appointment with Dr.
Alina Bergan D.D.S., please give us a call at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office! Call today
800-223-0801.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Fluoride is a mineral that plays an essential role in oral
health. In fact, the significant reduction in American tooth decay in recent
decades can be attributed to a greater availability of fluoride in public water
supplies, toothpaste, and other resources. When it comes in contact with the
teeth, fluoride helps protect the enamel from acid and plaque bacteria. In some
cases, it can even reverse tooth decay in its earliest stages.

Despite all the benefits of fluoride, tooth decay is still
common, especially among teenagers. The Centers for Disease Control reports
that cavities can be found in more than half of young teens and two-thirds of
older teens over age 16. Many of those teens are deficient in fluoride, either
due to a lack of public water fluoridation or the use of bottled water. So how
can parents ensure their teens are getting the fluoride they need to facilitate
strong, healthy teeth?

Monitor Fluoride Exposure

Dr. Alina Bergan
D.D.S. recommends you start by measuring your teen’s fluoride exposure.
Make sure you purchase fluoridated toothpaste for your household, and find out
if your tap water is fluoridated. If your teen primarily consumes bottled
water, examine the bottle to determine whether fluoride has been added. The
majority of bottled waters are not supplemented with fluoride, but those that
are will be clearly labeled.

Fluoride Supplementation

Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S.
may recommend topical fluoride treatments at routine dental exams. These treatments
are painless for your teen and may help establish stronger enamel that is more
resistant to plaque and tooth decay. If you have a public water supply that is
non-fluoridated, we may recommend fluoride supplementation between visits.
These can be administered as drops, tablets, or vitamins.

Keep in mind that fluoride is most important for children
and teens under the age of 16. Be proactive about your teen’s oral health by
speaking with us about your family’s fluoride needs at your next dental visit.

For more information about fluoride, or to schedule an
appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S.,
please give us a call at our convenient Cedarhurst,
NY office! Call today 800-223-0801.